21. Chapter 20
Chapter 20
Maeve Henderson
How many drinks have I had tonight?
I think I've been here for two hours. Or is it three?
I don't know, but I know I've heard a few songs twice, so either there's a loop, or they take requests.
I don't even think I can see straight, but I can always find my way to the bartender, Dave.
I don't actually know if that's his name; I just kinda assigned him one by the time I got to shot number five.
I feel like Dave fits him though.
It's the name I'd make up for someone who's grumpy and quiet, yet cares.
Okay, I can't actually prove that Dave cares about me, but he keeps the shots coming, so I'm not mad at him.
He even keeps my friends in shots when they come up to the bar with me, which is pretty often now!
Almost every song I've danced to and every shot I've gone up for, I've had at least one friend with me.
It's awesome! I finally feel like one of the group.
Shelby has stuck to herself, but I intend to change that.
I stumble over to her, almost losing my balance, but thankfully, she catches me with her hands on my waist.
"Hey, darling. Have a little to drink?" She asks me.
I grin, nodding happily, but the quick motion makes my head spin, and my balance gets even worse.
All I can seem to do about it is giggle loudly and clutch tightly onto Shelby to stay upright. "A little!" I announce.
I feel her fingers lightly dig into my hips, steadying me, and smile at the touch. "I can tell. How about we get you some water?" She asks me; again, I just happily nod.
She smells so good right now, even in this crowded bar; the thick and warm smell of vanilla lingers in her hair and clothes.
“I don't need water; I need to dance.” I protest, earning a small giggle from Shelby.
She rolls her eyes but takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. “One dance, then we get some water. Deal?” She says somewhat sternly.
I nod so roughly that my head spins, and my hair covers my face, sticking to my cheeks from all the sweat. “Yes, ma'am.” I tease.
We dance along to the fast song blaring in this crowded bar, but my only focus is on her. Even though our dance feels innocent enough, I can't help but get excited that her hands are on me in public.
I can't help but wish they were elsewhere.
I lean into her, feeling her support my weight, and attempt to whisper in her ear, although I know it's closer to shouting than a whisper. “Do you know what I've always wanted to do?” I ask.
Shelby pulls me back by my shoulders and shakes her head, her full attention mesmerizing me. I don't think I've had her full attention all week aside from in my bedroom.
I've missed it.
I've missed her.
“I've always wanted to be chased! Maybe someone breaks in and chases me when I run. You could chase me through campus, and if you catch me, you do whatever you want to me.” I say excitedly.
Doesn't that sound hot?
“Ooh, maybe you could get a blindfold or some duct tape; really spice things up!” I ramble on.
See, now I know I'm drunk. I never would have admitted that out loud if I wasn't, but it's Shelby. Shouldn't I be able to tell the woman I'm sleeping with about my fantasies?
Shelby shoves me roughly, almost sending me on my butt, but I feel someone catch me and keep me upright.
I feel their hands on my waist and my back against their chest, but I ignore all of it and focus on the look of disgust plastered across Shelby’s face.
“What the fuck is wrong with you?” She snaps harshly.
I didn't know it was possible to sober up so quickly, but that's how I feel right now.
I feel the color drain from my face, and all of the fun from my evening seems to have died.
I wish I could shrink into myself and disappear if only to hide from the look Shelby is giving me right now.
I don't understand what's happening here; we've walked about rape fantasies before!
We've laughed about our mutual love for horror characters and the hidden desire to be treated like a toy by somebody who would never actually hurt you.
“Woah, guys, what's going on here?” I hear, turning my head to see Carlie coming through a crowd of people to break up Shelby and I's argument.
Shelby puts her hands on her hips, the same hateful and disgusted look on her face, one I wish I could wash away forever. “Maeve here is joking about rape. Campus is on high alert for people being raped, and this bitch is jealous she isn't one of them. It's fucking sick, Maeve. Maybe you should just go…” She snaps.
Wait, that's not at all what I said!
Crap, say something; stand up for yourself!
But what do I even say? How do I defend that?
Would it help if I exposed what is going on between Shelby and me? Or would I just implode my life even more?
“What the fuck, Maeve? Jessica was just attacked last week, and you think that's funny? What is wrong with you?” Carlie snaps.
Wait, Jessica was attacked?
I just thought she hadn't been in class or around campus because she got chlamydia again.
Dang…
I open my mouth to defend myself, to say or do anything to dig myself out of this hole, but no words come out. Nothing comes out but a little huff of air that even I can tell smells like straight liquor.
"Maybe you should look for a new apartment when our lease is up." She says harshly.
My eyes open wide in surprise. Why would she want me to leave? I always pay my rent on time, I’m clean, and I don't use a single grocery item of hers. Heck, I have my own cookware since she eats gluten!
I should be the perfect roommate!
"I don't need someone breaking into our place to act out your little fantasy and take me instead. That's sick." She says, almost turning her nose up at me.
I have to actively try not to cry, so I just nod and walk towards the exit without a word to anyone else.